2006 Galleries

Dec '06 - Christmas with my family and friends in Japan : Impressions from my recent return to Japan.

Dec '06 - Christmas with my family and friends in Japan

Impressions from my recent return to Japan.

Updated: Apr 25, 2008 12:18am PST

Nov '06 - Amadou Kienou in Sedona : The finale of Amadou's month-long stay in Arizona was with a concert and workshop at Future Studios in Sedona during the thanksgiving weekend. Thanks to the host, Aquarian Concepts Community and Church. It was good to see our friends Three Tree from Sedona and Laura from Flagstaff at the concert, and then over freshly brewed local beer! Lorin and I took a brief tour to the community's organic farm called Avalon gardens in the following morning. Special thanks to Mycenay for having invited us to the gardens which the community has invested manual labor over years to built from dry mesquite woods. Thank you, Amadou, for your stay with us - please come back again. Likewise to Lorin and Bernd (AZDrumAndDance) who hosted Amadou and introduced his music and art to druuming communities in Arizona.

Nov '06 - Amadou Kienou in Sedona

The finale of Amadou's month-long stay in Arizona was with a concert a ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2006 9:11am PST

Nov '06 - Thanksgiving with Thomas Family : Thanksgiving is a family time. Here comes Jeremy and Amy to rescue my lonely soul being apart from my family for beginning of the holiday season. Dennis and Bekela, both Jeremy's friends from America West and Northwest days, were also at the Thanksgiving celebration. Like myself, Bekela (from Ethiopia) has moved to the US about ten years ago. Meghan and Jonah helped the parents to entertain us all for the entire afternoon, introduced us to their movie collection, Christmas tree decolation, Montessori ways of learning numbers, favorite books to read, drawings, and jigsaw puzzules, etc. in between the football games and Miami Ink (a TV show about tattou) the adults were watching. I had a blast! - Thanks to the Thomas family as well as Dennis and Bekela. P.S. Amy - I heard you have beautiful voice as you were singing while working in the kitchen! P.S.S. I posted a few more photos on 12/3/06.

Nov '06 - Thanksgiving with Thomas Family

Thanksgiving is a family time. Here comes Jeremy and Amy to rescue my ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2006 6:26pm PST

Nov '06 - Youssouf Koumbassa Dance Workshop : West African Drum and Dance Classes with Youssouf Koumbassa and Fode Bangoura in Tempe on November 4th. Youssouf Koumbassa is a former artist of Ballet Djoliba, the National Ballet of Guinea. Since moving to the United States 13 years ago (currently based in New York), Youssouf has established himself as the pre-eminent teacher of dance from Guinea and now travels widely throughout the world as a much sought after master teacher at dance conferences, workshops, camps and schools. Fode Bangoura is a professional drummer (djembe-fola) and teacher from Guinea, West Africa. Fode moved to the United States with his company "Les Merveilles de Guinee" in 1998 and currently lives in New York City, where he teaches at several prestigious dance centers including Alvin Ailey Dance Center among others.

Nov '06 - Youssouf Koumbassa Dance Workshop

West African Drum and Dance Classes with Youssouf Koumbassa and Fode B ...

Updated: Nov 27, 2006 1:39am PST

Nov '06 - A Month with Amadou Kienou : (work in progress)

Nov '06 - A Month with Amadou Kienou

(work in progress)

Updated: Feb 25, 2007 9:40am PST

Oct '06 - Mamady Keita Drum Workshop in Tucson : Mamady Keita and Monette are back in Tucson to give a djembe and dundun workshop for the weekend of October 21-22, 2006. The workshop has turned out a wonderful learning and community event with full of positive energy. Thanks to Martin (Dambe Project) and supporters in the community for organizing another successful workshop with one of the most respected djembefola of our time! Rhythms covered: Jore, Abondan, Kakilanbe, Sofa

Oct '06 - Mamady Keita Drum Workshop in Tucson

Mamady Keita and Monette are back in Tucson to give a djembe and dundu ...

Updated: Oct 30, 2008 6:03pm PST

Sept '06 - Farewell Party for Stephanie : Stephanie is departing for Benin, West Africa, on Thursday Sept 13. Under a program run by IFESH, a NPO based in Scottsdale, she will be stationed there for a year, teaching local elementary school kids primary health and French. "Benin is Latin Quarter of West Africa," says fun-loving Stephanie. Or, "Home of Voodoo" I learned. Pictures from a farewell party for her at Lorin and Bernd's house with her family and friends from Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson. Bernd's son Daniel and niece Sarah were special guests from Germnary. Bon voyage, Stephanie!

Sept '06 - Farewell Party for Stephanie

Stephanie is departing for Benin, West Africa, on Thursday Sept 13. U ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2006 11:25pm PST

Aug '06 - My Favorite Photographer Sally Mann : Sally Mann, my favorite photographer, is inspiring. A quote from introduction by Ann Beatte for "At Twelve" says: Herself the mother of three, Mann has lived most of her life in Lexington, Vierginia, where all of her pictures were taken. "At Twelve" is an intensely personal vision of what it means, now to be twelve and female, each of Mann's subjects is allowed the opportunity to frankly return our wondering, reminiscent gaze and to have a history of her own, rooted in a specific place at a particular moment - at twelve.

Aug '06 - My Favorite Photographer Sally Mann

Sally Mann, my favorite photographer, is inspiring. A quote from intr ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2006 5:43pm PST

Aug '06 - New York in Late Summer : See Travel Section: http://kubm.smugmug.com/gallery/1801593

Aug '06 - New York in Late Summer

See Travel Section: http://kubm.smugmug.com/gallery/1801593

Updated: Aug 26, 2006 5:18pm PST

Aug '06 - At Saturday Night African Dance Party in Tucson : Dambe African Dance Party goes on.

Aug '06 - At Saturday Night African Dance Party in Tucson

Dambe African Dance Party goes on.

Updated: Aug 13, 2006 7:05pm PST

Jul '06 - Early Summer Vacation in Japan : Impressions from my recent return to Japan.

Jul '06 - Early Summer Vacation in Japan

Impressions from my recent return to Japan.

Updated: Nov 28, 2006 4:35pm PST

May '06 - Herman Kathan Drum Workshop : Our Herman is back to Arizona (May 19th-30th, 2006)! As in the past, he took us to a journey deep into West African music, which is parellel to none for me. Here are a few remarks he made during a long Memorial day weekend workshop in Chauncey Ranch, which I would like to remember [not direct quotes but I hope the essence is being kept]: -- "Image you find an open (and peaceful) place in the forest, where we drummers reach such state of mind that sound we create is recognized as "music" and we stay focused in music (not drumming technique or else). You don't see the place from outside the forest. If you experience it once, however, you can get back to the place the second time even you may struggle to find the way a bit. As you experience it more, easier it gets for you to go back there. I want to meet you there." -- "Don't under-estimate the power of 6/8 rhythm accompaniment. It is accompaniment that drives rhythm and gives power to solo. Furthermore, many 6/8 rhythms such as Marakadon (he taught us this time) can open the door to another realm (of state of mind)." -- "I don't believe in an instant enlightment. Practicing drumming (like practicing religion) is a long journey with making small steps at a time." Photos from Herman visit 2005: http://kubm.smugmug.com/gallery/871128_ufnNu#39330235 Ditto 2007: http://kubm.smugmug.com/gallery/2594502_DtGTC#136753238

May '06 - Herman Kathan Drum Workshop

Our Herman is back to Arizona (May 19th-30th, 2006)! As in the past, ...

Updated: Apr 25, 2008 12:16am PST

May '06 - Carden Traditional School International Festival : Our Stephanie is Madame Musclow, a French teacher at Carden Traditional School in Surprise (for ~460 students from 1st to 8th grade). She invited a few dancer/drummers to the school's international festivel on the evening of Wednesday May 10th for which she hosted an exhibition of Mali culture using her classroom, and performed African dance for a couple of rhythms (Sinte and Kuku) with Renee, Lorin and myself. Lendo couldn't make it due to illness so that Lorin scrambled to play ballet style dununs with no rehearsal (good job!). I loved watching pupils dancing with Madame Musclow and Renee!

May '06 - Carden Traditional School International Festival

Our Stephanie is Madame Musclow, a French teacher at Carden Traditiona ...

Updated: May 13, 2006 3:24pm PST

May '06 - Mouminatou Camara & Mohamed Camara Dance Workshop : Mouminatou Camara and Mohamed Camara, master artists from Guinea, visited Tempe for the weekend of May 6-7, 2006 for dance workshop organized by Lorin (AZDrumAndDance). Local drummers (Sonja, JJ, Lendo and myself) were given an opportunity to drum with Mohamed for the workshop. Not only dancers in Phoenix, but also Laura who organized the workshop in Flagstaff prior to one in Tempe, and Noel were from Flagstaff to join the workshop for two days. Mouminatou and Mohamed, thank you for the workshop, and looking forward to seeing you again the next year. Let me quote profiles of Mouminatou and Mohamed: MOUMINATOU CAMARA is one of the most exciting West African dancers currently teaching in the US. She danced with all of Guinea's national companies: the Ballet de L'Armee, the Ballet Djoliba, and for 20 years as a principal with Les Ballets Africains. Based in New York since 1997, she holds regular calsses in the city and tours nationally. MOHAMED CAMARA is a master drummer from Conakry, Guinea. From 1989 to 1995 he was a member of Guinea's renowned national percussion ensemble, Les Percussions de Guinee. His career has also included work with Fatala, Ballet Merveilles, Bembaya Jazz, Wofa, and Ballet Koteba. He now lives in New York and plays with Ron K. Brown's Evidence.

May '06 - Mouminatou Camara & Mohamed Camara Dance Workshop

Mouminatou Camara and Mohamed Camara, master artists from Guinea, visi ...

Updated: Nov 04, 2008 10:16pm PST

May '06 - Xavier College Preparatory Dance Department Performance : May is the end of a school year for many schools. Xaviar prep school dance department held a (graduation?) performance on May 4th, for which Lendo did choreography for a West African dance piece. A few drummers (Sonja, Mark, Lorin, me and Lendo himself) provided live drumming for the performance.

May '06 - Xavier College Preparatory Dance Department Performance

May is the end of a school year for many schools. Xaviar prep school ...

Updated: May 13, 2006 6:50pm PST

May '06 - Family Reunion (Phoenix, Sedona, Grand Canyon & Las Vegas) : I was grateful to have my sister and niece to Phoenix for the first time (4/28-5/3) together with Megue. Four of us made a driving trip to Sedona, Grand Canyon South Rim, and Las Vegas. We all felt spirit of our mother was with us during the family reunion. More pics in People>My Family: http://kubm.smugmug.com/gallery/1411109 Password: yukxxx (name of my niece)

May '06 - Family Reunion (Phoenix, Sedona, Grand Canyon & Las Vegas)

I was grateful to have my sister and niece to Phoenix for the first ti ...

Updated: Dec 04, 2006 12:59am PST

Apr '06 - Domba Final Recital : Heidi is the founder and owner of Domba Studio. She has decided to move on, and the studio will be handed over to new ownership shortly. Final recital was held on April 23 with Middle Eastern dancers from all over Arizona. West African drum and dance had an honor to play in the end of the recital. Here are snapshots of our photogenic drummers, dancers and friends.

Apr '06 - Domba Final Recital

Heidi is the founder and owner of Domba Studio. She has decided to mo ...

Updated: Oct 31, 2008 6:22pm PST

Apr - Wedding for Kelly and Manuel : On Saturday April 22, 2006, Teresa's daughter Kelly and Manuel had the wedding ceremony and reception at Ashley Manor in Chandler. True celebration with blessing of their families and friends. I was touched by the two young souls taking this opportunity to express their sincere appreciations to their parents and close family members in their own ways such as Kelly holding Teresa's hand while watching the slideshow and Manuel making a speech in front of the guests. Congratulations Teresa and thank you for inviting me to a special event for you and your family!

Apr - Wedding for Kelly and Manuel

On Saturday April 22, 2006, Teresa's daughter Kelly and Manuel had the ...

Updated: Apr 26, 2006 8:13pm PST

Apr '06 - Mamady Keita Drum Workshop in Phoenix : Mamady is back and gave a workshop in Phoenix for the weekend of April 8th-9th, 2006. Mamady, Monette (Mrs. Keita) and David drove together all the way from San Diego, while Martin came support the workshop from Tucson. Day-1 was in a very casual and family-like environment at Lorin and Bernd's residence. Thanks to Rolena for preparing wonderful lunch for the entire party. Day-2 was at Domba Studio in Tempe. As always, many thanks to Lorin & Bernd (AZ Drum & Dance) who made it happen! Mamady and Monette will be traveling through Middle East, Europe and Japan for the next 4-1/2 months with finishing their world tour with 2-week workshop at Mishima Is. in Japan in the end of August. Thank you, Mamady & Monette, for the visit to Phoenix, and Bon voyage!

Apr '06 - Mamady Keita Drum Workshop in Phoenix

Mamady is back and gave a workshop in Phoenix for the weekend of April ...

Updated: Apr 15, 2006 12:34pm PST

Apr '06 - Arizona Percussive Arts Society (AZPAS) Concert & Workshop : AZPAS 2006 Spring Days of Percussion Concert and Workshop at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, March 31 & April 1. Ka Ila Dia (meaning "to give you joy") was invited to perform at the Friday evening concert - Thanks to Prof. Mark Sunkett for the invitation and Sonja Branch for the practical organization at the concert. I am proud that our ensemble did a good job (Played: Dibon, Abondan, Lafe, Takosaba and Fula Fare) - Thanks to Bernd and Lorin for putting us together. With music from West Africa, Brazil and Japan, we had a joyful evening. I was also glad to see Medoune Yacine Gueye ("Dame"), sabar and djembe master drummer from Senegal. Dame servied as the Director of Music for the renowned Kankouran West African Dance Company fo over 10 years and has successfully trained hundreds of professional drummers and young musicians within the DC area.

Apr '06 - Arizona Percussive Arts Society (AZPAS) Concert & Workshop

AZPAS 2006 Spring Days of Percussion Concert and Workshop at Chandler- ...

Updated: Apr 02, 2006 6:13pm PST

Mar '06 - Phoenix Sister Cities World Fest : Phoneix Sister Cities World Fest in downtown Phoenix. I knew that Himeji is one of Phoenix's sister cities. But I didn't know there are many more all over the world. It was a picnic style multi-cultural event with good turn-out.

Mar '06 - Phoenix Sister Cities World Fest

Phoneix Sister Cities World Fest in downtown Phoenix. I knew that Him ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 6:44pm PST

Mar '06 - Weekend in San Francisco with My Friends from College : A chance reunion in San Franciso with a couple of my friends from college, Sawaki & Kirihara-sense - Drove to Tiburon & Sausalito on Saturday afternoon; Shoppng music CDs at Amoeba Music on Height St. on Sunday afternoon - Both spotless spring days. Kirihara-sense drove me back to the airport 5am on Monday. Thank you!

Mar '06 - Weekend in San Francisco with My Friends from College

A chance reunion in San Franciso with a couple of my friends from coll ...

Updated: Apr 14, 2006 2:01pm PST

Mar '06 - Gig at Herberger Theater : Ka Ila Dia (Bernd, Lorin, Mark, Regi, Lendo, Sangeet and myself) was invited to play for a charity event at Herberger Theater in downtown Phoenix on a Friday evening - supporting a fashion show for African insipired outfits designed by LaRae. Played Sinte, Soli Rapid, Sofa Sali Kanebo and Abondon.

Mar '06 - Gig at Herberger Theater

Ka Ila Dia (Bernd, Lorin, Mark, Regi, Lendo, Sangeet and myself) was i ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 12:28pm PST

Mar '06 - Gig at ASU Multi-Cultural Evening : It was the second year we were invited to ASU (Arizona State University) students' multi-cultural event. I love the spirit of the event. Makalani, Lorin, Mark, Lendo, Stephanie, Rene & myself. Played the same set as the one for Jerome. Lendo's younger brother Alex was on stage for Kapuela (blend of music, dance and martial art) originated in Brazil.

Mar '06 - Gig at ASU Multi-Cultural Evening

It was the second year we were invited to ASU (Arizona State Universit ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 9:14am PST

Mar '06 - Renee's B-Day Party : Renee's B-day party at Lorin & Bernd's combined with introduction of Stephanie's new boyfriend Lord Taron from Tucson.

Mar '06 - Renee's B-Day Party

Renee's B-day party at Lorin & Bernd's combined with introduction of S ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 9:13am PST

Feb '06 - Gig for Penny's Associates and Delegation from Afganistan : Phoenix drum and dance community was proud to be invited to perform at a home party for Penny's associates welcoming a delegation from Afganistan. They are lawers and professors here to study US legal education in an effort of building a democractic legal system in their home country. They are totally ladies and gentlemen: they looked a little frozen while watching our performance, but they were all so kind to give us words of appreciation afterwards. Afghan met African in Arizona on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Thanks Penny for giving us this opportunity!

Feb '06 - Gig for Penny's Associates and Delegation from Afganistan

Phoenix drum and dance community was proud to be invited to perform at ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 9:10am PST

Feb '06 - One Love Festival in Jerome : A fun Saturday-night gig at One Love Festival for an old mining town Jerome - a cute small town with less than 400 inhabitants; Collaboration with wonderful dancers Craig and Charyse from Flagstaff as well as our friend Three Tree from Sedona. Dancers: Stephanie & Renee, Drummers: Lorin, Makalani, Sangeet and myelf (Bernd was traveling to Germany). Makaila and Suzie were with us, too. Thanks to Stephanie's mom for pictures from the performance!

Feb '06 - One Love Festival in Jerome

A fun Saturday-night gig at One Love Festival for an old mining town J ...

Updated: Feb 19, 2006 9:12am PST

Jan '06 - Visit to NYC (Travel) : Another fun visit to NYC since July '02. Memorable Sunday afternoon walk in rain with Megue in West Villege. Chumley's on Bedford st. remained atmosphere of New York in 1930s. See Travel section for photos: http://kubm.smugmug.com/gallery/1168574.

Jan '06 - Visit to NYC (Travel)

Another fun visit to NYC since July '02. Memorable Sunday afternoon w ...

Updated: Apr 02, 2006 4:48pm PST

Jan '06 - BoomBoom Bollywood Recital : My favorite local dance company BoomBoom Bollywood held one time recital at Scottsdale Center for the Arts on January 7th. BoomBoom Bollywood is a unique production dedicated to Indian Bollywood style dance performance, maybe one and only in the U.S. according to the announcement made.

Jan '06 - BoomBoom Bollywood Recital

My favorite local dance company BoomBoom Bollywood held one time recit ...

Updated: Feb 20, 2006 1:11am PST